The Bear describes itself as an "elevated sports bar". What this translates to is a laid back and…read moreupbeat but classy vibe and a menu of sophisticated but approachable dishes. And of course there are TV's. They were a little busy when I visited on a Monday night but you didn't need a reservation to be seated right away. The service was good. My waitress was very friendly. While the food wasn't lightning fast, it took less time than I expected to get my entree after ordering given that they seemed busy, and my dessert came out very quickly. I had: Foragers martini: This tasted exactly as you would expect from the name. Spruce-flavoured anything was not actually in the ingredient list, but I would describe the flavour of the cocktail as "sprucey". It was pleasantly strong. Grilled wild sockeye salmon: My first thought was that this was a small portion for the price, but the huge plate was deceiving and this was actually a very satisfying serving with a large cut of salmon and a healthy heaping of farro salad. The salmon was cooked perfectly - I loved how the skin got crispy and flaky. The farro salad was hearty and delicious on its own or with the salmon, and the pickled fennel and the orange coulis were interesting compliments to enhance the dish. Chocolate basque cheesecake: I was going to choose this anyway, but my waitress also recommended it. This was a great basque cheesecake - rich with a slightly burnt crust. The candied hazelnut brittle totally elevated it. The slice was big enough to share, but it was really good and surprisingly not too heavy, so I finished it by myself easily. It was so expensive though... I was staying at the hotel so I got 10% off food, and even then I spent $80 after tip! I knew it was going to be expensive and decided to treat myself since it was my last night in Tofino, but I think without the 10% I would've gone somewhere else anyway. Even with the whole "elevated" thing and acknowledging that the food and drink was not at all what I would consider typical sports bar food, it felt so bad to spend $80 on one person at a place calling itself as a sports bar.

The Prawn Tagliatelle was excellent but our server (Kirsty) uhhhh not so much. It's GM 6 of the…read moreStanley Cup Final (CAR @ VGK) and I specifically came here because I wanted to watch the game and see CAR hoist the cup. Mid meal after being seated for about 35 mins she asks me to move to accommodate another table that sat down after us. Other tables were also watching the hockey game and wondered why it changed to a soccer game that wasn't starting for another 10 mins. She clearly is not a sports fan and who asks someone to move in the middle of their meal??!! My food was great but Kirsty ruined my experience. Off to any other place to watch the 3rd period...worried I might get asked to move again by my clueless server. Pissed off hockey fan

If you love cocktails this is a must visit. All spirits and liquors are made in house in Tofino…read more Various flavours from straight up gin to floral and licorice notes absinthe. You can try the spirits straight up neat or in a cocktail. If you love the taste, you can purchase the bottle in 375ml or 750ml I like floral notes and my favourite was the Ursa Major drink made with rose hibiscus gin. Refreshing, floral and a hint of the ginger beer.

There was a small wait at the brewery so we decided to check out Tofino Distillery. TD specializes…read morein certified organic spirits and are located next door to Summit Bread Company. We dropped in on a Tuesday afternoon (around 5:00pm) and they were fairly busy. There's only two tables inside but the patio can fit another two to three groups. One bartender running the show; super chill and cozy spot to grab a few drinks. There's about a dozen mini cocktail options (gin, vodka and absinthe based), all at a reasonable price of $4.34 per drink. Bottles included vodka/gin ($25.00 for 375ml, $43.00 for 750ml) and absinthe ($40.00 for 375ml, $75.00 for 750ml). Sad that they were sold out of their arancello (orange vanilla) and limoncello. - The bee's knees ($4.34) - light, floral and refreshing. - Tijuana go surfing ($4.34) - this one was our favourite (and seemed to be what everyone else was ordering). A tantalizing kick from the jalapeno and a touch of sweetness. Get it. - Demon dog ($4.34) - beware, the absinthe is heavy on the anise but still stays smooth and enjoyable. Worth a try but we aren't huge absinthe drinkers. Awesome spot to enjoy a few mini cocktails. Make sure you try the jalapeno vodka.

Super cute second location of the original truck! They have a large outdoor seating area with…read moreumbrella covered tables. Long lines, so come right when they open up! You can make any burrito a bowl and they have some tofino exclusive tacos/burritos!

Tacofino is a must visit when you're in town! The food is very good and fresh. I enjoyed the fish…read moretaco and the tuna taco. The fish was large and flavours went well together. As well, the tuna taco was a half seared tuna and flavours went well together as well with the ginger on top. The burritos are worth getting as well. They are huge stuff burritos which will definitely make you full. The pieces of crispy rice was a nice surprise in the grilled chicken burrito as there was a good blend of textures. Because there's lots of people and it's busy, it was a bit slow. It took a while to place the order and get our food. Outdoor space is limited so it may take some time to get a table with the many people there. At the outdoor seating area, there's free water, utensils and hot sauce.

Went here for breakfast this morning. VERY busy place. They have a limited breakfast menu and…read morelimited seating. I had the breakfast burrito and my wife and the breakfast wrap. Both were good - not great, but good. Coffee was pretty good as well. Prices were fair.

"Why Would You Want That?"…read more The wife & I went to Barkley Cafe for breakfast this morning. She ordered the Breakfast Burrito while I ordered the Cold Smoked Salmon Bagel. I told the cashier (male with grey curly hair) that I wanted my bagel open-faced. He paused, looked at me, then said "Why would you want that?". Why would I want that? Because I'm not a moray eel who can unhinge his jaw to fit tall things like a stacked bagel sandwich into my mouth. What kind of question is that? The vast majority of the 100+ bagel places I've been to in my life serve them open-faced by default. Why this guy was so perplexed by my request is baffling. If some customer requests soy milk instead of dairy milk in their latte, does he also ask "Why would you want that?". If some customer requests their English Muffin toasted, does he also ask "Why would you want that?". How about you stick to fulfilling the customer's order without challenging them to justify it? Anyways, the wife felt her Breakfast Burrito was just average, and my Cold Smoked Salmon Bagel was disappointing, though it was ultimately served open-faced. The lox didn't taste smoked at all, and there were hardly any capers. The arugula was messy without contributing much flavor. It would've been nice if they added tomatoes (like most bagel places). Not gonna bother coming back here. Also, the seating is very cramped.

The place is conveniently located the junction between Ucluelet and Tofino. The vibe is very chill…read moreand surf there. We went on a Thursday afternoon so it wasn't busy. It is self serve. They have foosball tables, cozy chairs. It is a cozy space! Basically a large is $28 and a small is $21. Besides poke, you can get specialty coffee and smoothies there and some (not a lot) of baked goods. It is a self serve kind of place with some surf merch, local art as well. The food is fresh, I order the quinoa with rice and salmon and tuna w mango cilantro and crispy garlic and cilantro, kale, w soy sauce and sasame oil, seaweed salad topping. It was very pricey for what it was but probably Tofino standards but really hit the spot. We were on holidays so all is good.

Quick and easy ordering. Chill vibe inside with friendly service. I went towards closing (oops, I…read moreshould have checked the time) and it was quiet. The portions were great and everything in my bowl was delicious and fresh. Rice was cooked to perfection. I would definitely come here again.

I was surprised that this location of BC Liquors, in the tiny town of Tofino, had a decent supply…read moreof wine. I found prices to be reasonable and the clerk helpful.

I cannot believe no one has yelp-ed this yet! Well, ok,…read moreit's a liquor store but IN TOFINO rendering it awesome by default. I also find the staff here really helpful. I'm always here on vacay so the old noggin' tends to be on 'pause' and i am learning to rely on experts and servers more lately. i.e., i'm in your 'hood, what would you suggest?? So i asked for some BC red wine options and got a few great, reasonably priced selections. Then at the cash with my Granville Isl winter beer in hand i asked the super cure cashier if he knew if the brew company was open...he said indeed and that he was going there later (was this kinda a pick up!?!?! i'm so out of practice). We then proceeded to wax poetic about the awesomeness of the Tofino Brewing Company (please go there). Anyway, not sure if it was the wicked weather or impending long weekend but everyone was cheery and smiley and here I am...writing about it. Next time you're in town, pop in, think about what your craving and leave the selecting up to the local experts. You won't be sorry.

Staff (maybe owner) very helpful and willing to do us a last minute sandwich picnic. We asked to…read morepickup after our airplane tour just after closing and staff was able to accomodate us slightly after closing - very much appreciated !! The sandwiches we took on plane to Hot Springs Cove - Brisket sandwich was tast, the older kiddos really enjoyed the turkey and Brie, the Italian (?) wonderful cappicola cured in house was one of the best I've had. Best part easy to get in and out of and not fighting the tourist in Tofino - also try the intergalactic root beer it's fantastic!!!

The person behind the counter was knowledgeable and great to chat with. Great selection of meats…read morecheeses olives and make sure you buy the bacon jam!!!

We went in June and there wasn't a lineup when we went on a weekday for lunch. I wouldn't want to…read morebe standing in line on a hot day though. There is no shade. Service was fine. The tuna taco was good but seems overpriced for what you get. I'd say for value, definitely go for the burritos. Both the beef and the chicken were so good. Ambiance is cool, very island vibe. We are on site but if it were hot and busy, it would be hard.

This location is dog friendly and offers picnic bench seating for customers. Service was quick and…read moreefficient. I ordered the tuna taco and tatter tots. I was disappointed as it felt like I didn't have much tuna in my taco compared to when I order them in at their Vancouver Hasting location. The tatter tots were perfectly fried and I enjoyed the fresh toppings on top, but there wasn't a wow factor to it. My experience left me disappointed as I normally really enjoy eating at Tacofino at their various Vancouver locations.